The Alberni Valley Tourism Association has launched a new grant program to help local groups market their events and attract more visitors to Port Alberni, British Columbia. The fund provides up to $2,500 for each successful applicant to pay for advertising that reaches people living outside the local area, such as digital ads and brand development.
This funding is specifically for marketing costs and cannot be used for the actual costs of running or producing an event. Eligible applicants include local tourism-related businesses, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous organizations that are working to increase overnight stays in the region during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
While the main application period for the spring and summer closed on March 13, 2026, a second round of funding is planned for early September if there is money left in the $10,000 pilot project budget. All approved grant money must be spent by December 31, 2026, to support festivals and tourism experiences happening throughout the year.
This local effort comes as the provincial government introduces a new tourism plan called Look West, which aims to double how much visitors spend across the province by 2036. Residents or groups interested in future funding opportunities can contact the association’s tourism development specialist for more information on how to apply.
